The Government of Ghana has declined an offer by MTN Ghana to donate GHS20 million to support Ghanaian who were victims of recent xenophobic attacks in South Africa, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has announced.
The Ministry said it had become aware of media reports indicating that MTN Ghana was preparing the donation.
Those reports, the statement noted, appeared to stem from an interview given by MTN Board Chairman Dr. Ishmael Yamson.
While the government commended MTN for the gesture, it stated that it “respectfully decline[s]” the offer. The Ministry reaffirmed that the Mahama administration has already made adequate provision for the ongoing evacuations and reintegration of Ghanaians affected by the attacks and is therefore unable to accept the contribution.”
According to the Foreign Affairs Minister, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, “the government’s position had been communicated directly to MTN’s Board Chair and CEO when they met Foreign Affairs Minister Hon. Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa (MP) on 14 August 2026.”
The Ministry emphasised that the government remains fully committed to the current humanitarian evacuations and to providing reintegration financial support for every Ghanaian returned from harm’s way.
It further pledged to present a comprehensive public account of the total cost of the evacuation exercise once it is concluded, in the interest of transparency and accountability.
The statement also underscored that the government will continue to foster a favourable business environment for all international brands operating in Ghana, regardless of their country of origin.
“The welfare of all Ghanaians remains our utmost priority,” the Ministry concluded.
